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Raise a toast to Canada on its 146th birthday at these July 1 celebrations around BC
Canadians love their national holidays, especially when they involve celebrating all that makes our country great.
So throw on your best red and whites, slap on some sunscreen and bring all the energy you can muster to blow out the candles on another Canadian birthday at one (or more) of these Canada Day celebrations throughout BC.
Canada Day at Granville Island Granville Island 7 am to midnight
Start your day with a pancake breakfast, then stick around for a free jazz performance by Coastal Jazz and Blues Society, face painting, roving characters and a parade. Make sure you get your temporary tattoo to show your birthday bash spirit.
Canada Day at Canada Place Canada Place, Jack Poole Plaza, Harbour Green Park and surrounding streets Waterfront Party – 10 am to 6 pm/Canada Day Parade – 7 pm to 8 pm
This 26th annual free event is the biggest birthday party in BC and it includes music, food, exhibits, dance and a parade. Enjoy a beautiful waterfront view as you watch 25 musical and dance performances. And keep an eye out for the Canadian Armed Forces.
Canada Day Burrard Inlet Fireworks Show Coal Harbour and off the shores of Dundarave, West Vancouver 10:30 pm to 11 pm
Vancouver’s only two-barge fireworks display is the perfect way to end your Canada Day celebrations. Find a spot and plunk down for a fantastic light show.
North Vancouver Canada Day Celebrations Waterfront Park 12 pm to 4 pm
Mini golf, a rock climbing wall, booths and activities make this free community event perfect for the entire family. And it ends early enough to catch any of the fantastic firework displays taking place around the Lower Mainland.
Run Canada Day Pacific Spirit Park Begins at 9:45 am
Choose from a 10k run/walk, a 5k run/walk, or a Kids Run and begin your celebrations with a little exercise. If you register before June 26 it’s only $35 for the 10k or 5k runs, and $15 for the Kids Run, with a T-shirt included. There are prizes to be won and cake to be eaten at this fun morning activity. Don’t forget to stay for the barbecue!
Steveston Salmon Festival Richmond 6:30 am to 5 pm
Kicking off bright and early with a pancake breakfast, this town knows how to throw a party. The usual parade and opening ceremony will take place, but it’s the famous salmon barbecue that sets this event apart from the rest. With over 12,000 pounds of grilled wild salmon filets, you can get a delicious lunch for only $15 per plate. Come early though, because this barbecue sells out every year.
Coquitlam Celebrates Canada Day Lafarge Lake and Evergreen Cultural Centre 12 pm to 10:30 p.m.
The city of Coquitlam celebrates big this year with a hockey tournament, several villages representing different parts of Coquitlam and four entertainment stages. Be sure to catch the 10 pm fireworks display at the Water Stage, located along the west bank of Lafarge Lake.
Surrey Canada Day Cloverdale Millennium Amphitheatre, Surrey 10 am to 10:30 pm
This all-day free event includes live music on the mainstage by headliner Platinum Blonde and Peak Performance Project winner Dear Rouge. With rides, games, Kids World and Seniors Strawberry Tea served by the mayor, this event-filled day has something for everyone. And finish off the day’s activities with fireworks at 10:15 pm.
Canada Day Long Weekend Whistler June 29 to July 1
There’s three days of partying in this alpine city. Street entertainment, an outdoor concert series, a parade and fireworks are lined up to keep the celebrations going all weekend long.
Victoria Celebrates Canada Day Victoria’s Inner Harbour June 30 and July 1
Victoria begins its celebrations early, featuring a Kids Zone and the ever-popular Living Flag, where residents join to make a Canadian flag on the lawns of the BC Legislature. With plenty of food choices and ongoing music headlined by Hey Ocean, the whole family is guaranteed to have a good time before the fireworks kick off. And with green initiatives like biodegradable vendor food containers, paper mache fireworks and a bike valet service, you can have fun and feel good doing it.
Comox Valley Canada Day Courtenay (mainly Simm’s Park) June 28 to July 1
You really can’t beat four days of celebration. Friday through Sunday you can enjoy evening concerts, including a Battle of the Bands. The Monday celebrations start at 10 am and run until 10:30 pm, with a One Mile Fun Run, a Grande Parade, entertainment and games. If you live in the area, listen to 97.3 FM in the mornings and enter their contest by phoning in your idea of what is Canadian by finishing the sentence, “As Canadian as…”
Canada Day Celebrations Gyro Park, Downtown Penticton
Who can say no to free cake? Grab some at Penticton’s Canada Day Celebration, along with balloons and family fun.
Celebrate Canada Day – Kelowna Waterfont Park, Jim Stuart Park, Kerry Park and Prospera Place Mid-morning until 11 pm
With over 50 activities including a food fair, a birthday cake, over five stages, a Kids Zone and a fireworks display, Kelowna throws a big party. Shop through the Made in Canada Marketplace and enjoy the various musical performances during the afternoon.
Celebrate Canada Day 2013 – Folkfest & Art in the Park Riverside Park, Kamloops 7 am to 10:30 pm
Start your celebrations with a pancake breakfast, followed by community booths and children’s activities. Then grab a bite to eat at the Cultural Food Booths, watch the Canada Day ceremony, enjoy the variety of evening activities and catch the late-night fireworks.
Canada Day Celebrations in Prince Rupert Mariner’s Memorial Park 12 pm to dusk
Come down for a picnic and enjoy ethnic food, live music and a birthday cake. Once dusk hits you can see the fireworks that take place over the harbour.
Dominion Day at Huble Homestead Huble Homestead Historic Site (40 km north of Prince George) 10 am to 4 pm
This old-fashioned celebration will include heritage demonstrations, like ice cream and butter making. There will also be contests, prizes, and cake to eat, too. Maybe you’ll even master the egg toss.
